BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile communication system, a mobile communication
method, a radio network controller, a radio base station and a mobile station, employing
a configuration in which a radio device transmits, to mobile stations by use of broadcast
communication, emergency information transmitted from a distribution server.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] Heretofore, there have been known mobile communication systems for transmitting,
to mobile stations, emergency information such as earthquake information or "tsunami"
information issued by a public office, a local government, or the like, by use of
broadcast communication such as a cell broadcast service (hereinafter, referred to
as a "CBS") or a multimedia broadcast/multicast service (hereinafter, referred to
as an "MBMS").
[0003] Specifically, in such a mobile communication system for transmitting the emergency
information, a radio network controller RNC is configured to transmit the aforementioned
emergency information to mobile stations located in a particular coverage area, by
use of a traffic channel for broadcast communication such as a common traffic channel
(CTCH) or an MBMS traffic channel (MTCH). Here, the emergency information is received
from a terminal device of a public office, a local government, or the like, via a
distribution server.
[0004] In such conventional mobile communication systems for transmitting the emergency
information, there is, however, a problem that long delay time is required for the
emergency information to reach the mobile station. This problem occurs since a radio
network controller needs to transmit information via various channel, before transmitting
information via a traffic channel for broadcast communication such as a CTCH or MTCH.
(Non-Patent document 1) 3GPP TS23.041
(Non-Patent document 2) 3GPP TS23.246
[0005] JP 2004 040197 A refers to a radio communications system for informing users of warning information.
Radio base stations sharing an area potentially suffering from a disaster transmit
warning information as notice information to the portable telephones in the area.
[0006] JP 2004 538731 A refers to a method for informing a group of subscriber terminals of a radio communication
system about the presence of a group message which to be sent to the group via at
least one RF channel. The presence of the group message is indicated to the subscriber
terminals of the group with the aid of a group-paging-indication signal.
[0007] US 6 157 815 A refers to providing broadcast short message services in a communication network.
The broadcast short message is provided while minimizing the impact of providing the
short messaging service on overall system capacity. A page receive controller provides
a timing signal indicative of an assigned time slot. Receiver means monitor the assigned
paging channel in a single time slot in accordance with the timing signal and decoder
means are provided for decoding the broadcast message and for selectively processing
the broadcast message in accordance with a predetermined set of user preferences.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile communication system, a
mobile communication method, a radio network controller, a radio base station and
a mobile station which are capable of reducing delay time and communication overhead
during the transmission of the emergency information to mobiles stations by use of
broadcast communication.
[0009] A first aspect of the present invention is summarized as a mobile communication system
in which a radio device configured to transmit notification information transmitted
from a distribution server, to a mobile station by use of broadcast communication,
wherein: the radio device includes: a creation unit configured to create, on the basis
of the notification information received from the distribution server, simplified
information indicating content of the notification information, and detailed information
indicating content of the notification information with a greater amount of information
than that of the simplified information; a simplified information transmitter unit
configured to transmit the simplified information to the mobile station by use of
a control channel for starting the broadcast communication; and a detailed information
transmitter unit configured to transmit the detailed information to the mobile station
by use of a traffic channel for broadcast communication, and the mobile station includes
a display unit configured to display the detailed information transmitted using the
traffic channel, after displaying the simplified information transmitted using the
control channel.
[0010] A second aspect of the present invention is summarized as a mobile communication
method for transmitting notification information transmitted from a distribution server,
from a radio device to a mobile station, by use of broadcast communication, the method
including: transmitting, at the distribution server, the notification information
to the radio device; creating, at the radio device, simplified information indicating
content of the notification information, on the basis of the notification information
received from the distribution server; transmitting, at the radio device, the simplified
information to the mobile station using a control channel for starting the broadcast
communication; displaying, at the mobile station, the simplified information transmitted
using the control channel; creating, at the radio device, detailed information having
a greater amount of information than that of the simplified information and indicating
content of the notification information, on the basis of the notification information;
transmitting, at the radio device, the detailed information to the mobile station
using a traffic channel for broadcast communication; and displaying, at the mobile
station, the detailed information transmitted using the traffic channel.
[0011] A third aspect of the present invention is summarized as a radio network controller
configured to transmit notification information transmitted from a distribution server,
to a mobile station by use of broadcast communication, the controller including: a
creation unit configured to create, on the basis of the notification information received
from the distribution server, simplified information indicating content of the notification
information, and detailed information having a greater amount of information than
that of the detailed information and indicating content of the notification information;
a simplified information transmitter unit configured to transmit the simplified information
to the mobile station by use of a control channel for starting the broadcast communication;
and a detailed information transmitter configured to transmit the detailed information
to the mobile station by use of a traffic channel for broadcast communication.
[0012] In the third aspect, the simplified information transmitter unit can be configured
to transmit the simplified information by use of a channel for notifying a specific
mobile station that there is incoming information.
[0013] A fourth aspect of the present invention is summarized as a radio base station configured
to transmit notification information transmitted from a distribution server, to a
mobile station by use of broadcast communication, the radio base station including:
a simplified information transmitter unit configured to transmit, to the mobile station
by use of a control channel for stating the broadcast communication, simplified information
indicating content of the notification information created on the basis of the notification
information received from the distribution server; and a detailed information transmitter
unit configured to transmit, to the mobile station by use of a traffic channel for
broadcast communication, detailed information indicating content of the notification
information created on the basis of the notification information and having a greater
amount of information than that of the simplified information.
[0014] In the fourth aspect, the simplified information transmitter unit can be configured
to transmit the simplified information by use of a channel for notifying a specific
mobile station that there is incoming information.
[0015] A fifth aspect of the present invention is summarized as a mobile station configured
to receive notification information transmitted by use of broadcast communication,
including: a simplified information receiver unit configured to receive, through a
control channel for starting the broadcast communication, simplified information indicating
content of the notification information created on the basis of the notification information
transmitted from a distribution server; a detailed information receiver unit configured
to receive, through a traffic channel for broadcast communication, detailed information
indicating content of the notification information created on the basis of the notification
information and having a greater amount of information than that of the simplified
information; and a display unit configured to display the received detailed information,
after displaying the received simplified information.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016]
[Fig.1] Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a mobile communication system
according to a first embodiment of the invention.
[Fig.2] Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of a radio network controller RNC according
to the first embodiment of the invention.
[Fig.3] Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram of a radio base station Node B according
to the first embodiment of the invention.
[Fig.4] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a channel configuration in the mobile communication
system according to the first embodiment of the invention.
[Fig.5] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing one of configurations of a PICH used in the mobile
communication system according to the first embodiment of the invention, and an MICH
used in a mobile communication system according to a second embodiment of the invention.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram of a mobile station UE according to
the first embodiment of the invention.
[Fig.7] Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of transmitting emergency
information in the mobile communication system according to the first embodiment of
the invention.
[Fig.8] Fig. 8 is a functional block diagram of a radio network controller RNC according
to the second embodiment of the invention.
[Fig.9] Fig. 9 is a functional block diagram of a radio base station Node B according
to the second embodiment of the invention.
[Fig.10] Fig. 10 is a functional block diagram of a mobile station UE according to
the second embodiment of the invention.
[Fig.11] Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of transmitting emergency
information in the mobile communication system according to the second embodiment
of the invention.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(Mobile Communication System According to First Embodiment of the Invention)
[0017] A configuration of a mobile communication system according to a first embodiment
of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6.
[0018] In the mobile communication system according to the present embodiment, a radio device
(a radio network controller RNC, a base station Node B, or the like) is configured
to transmit "emergency information (such as earthquake information or "tsunami" information
issued by a public office, a local government, or the like)" which is a type of notification
information transmitted from a distribution server, to mobile stations, by use of
a cell broadcast service (CBS).
[0019] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the mobile communication system according to the
present embodiment includes: a distribution server; a plurality of exchange nodes
SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node) #1 and #2; a plurality of radio network controllers
RNC #11 and #12; a plurality of radio base stations Nodes B#111 and #112; and a plurality
of mobile stations UE #1 and #2.
[0020] It should be noted that, although, for the sake of convenience of description, two
units each of the exchange nodes SGSN, radio network controllers RNC, radio base stations
Node B and mobile stations UE are shown in the example of Fig. 1, the present invention
can be applied to an exemplary case where the mobile communication system includes
more than two units each of these devices as a matter of course.
[0021] The distribution server functions as a cell broadcast center (hereinafter, referred
to as a "CBC").
[0022] The distribution server is configured to receive the emergency information such as
earthquake information or "tsunami" information issued by a public office, a local
government, or the like, in a case where an event such as an earthquake or a tsunami
occurs; and then to transmit such emergency information to predetermined radio network
controllers RNC via exchange nodes SGSN.
[0023] It should be noted that communications between the distribution server and the radio
network controllers RNC are to be performed using the SABP (Service Area Broadcast
Protocol), which is specified by the 3GPP TS25.419.
[0024] As shown in Fig. 2, a radio network controller RNC includes: an emergency information
receiver unit 11, a paging notification information transmitter unit 12, a system
information update request transmitter unit 13, a scheduling information transmitter
unit 14, a detailed information transmitter unit 15 and a completion responding unit
16.
[0025] The emergency information receiver 11 unit is configured to receive the emergency
information transmitted from a distribution server.
[0026] Then, on the basis of the received emergency information, the emergency information
receiver unit 11 is configured to create simplified information indicating content
of the emergency information, and detailed information with greater amount of information
than that of the simplified information while indicating the content of the emergency
information.
[0027] For example, the simplified information is the information that indicates content
of the emergency information with a small amount of information, such as simplified
information A "Emergency Earthquake News Flash!" in Fig. 6.
[0028] In contrast to this, the detailed information is the information that fulfills a
function of transmitting the content of the emergency information in detail with a
greater amount of information than that of the simplified information, such as detailed
information B "Emergency Earthquake News Flash! Earthquake with seismic intensity
of 5 is about to occur. Warning (Meteorological Agency)".
[0029] The paging notification information transmitter unit 12 is configured to transmit
paging notification information to the mobile stations UE located in a predetermined
paging area through one of the node stations Node B.
[0030] Specifically, the paging notification information transmitter unit 12 is configured
to transmit the paging notification information, by use of a paging control channel
(hereinafter referred to as a "PCCH"), which is a control channel for starting the
CBS (broadcast communication), and a logical channel for notifying specific mobile
stations (mobile stations that belong to a specific group) that there is incoming
information.
[0031] It should be noted that the paging notification information transmitter unit 12 is
configured to transmit the paging notification information included the PCCH which
is a logical channel, to one of the radio base stations Node B, through a paging channel
(hereinafter, referred to as a "PCH") which is a transport channel.
[0032] Moreover, the paging notification information transmitter unit 12 is configured to
transmit the simplified information created by the emergency information receiver
unit 11, to the radio base station Node B.
[0033] Here, the paging notification information transmitter unit 12 may be configured to
transmit the simplified information along with the paging notification information,
by use of the PCCH.
[0034] In such case, the paging notification information transmitter unit 12 is configured
to input the simplified information to the "payload capacity (240 bits) (refer to
the 3GPP TS34.108)" of the PCCH, for example.
[0035] The system information update request transmitter unit 13 is configured to transmit
a "System Information Update Request" for requesting the mobile stations UE to update
system control information, to the radio base station Node B
[0036] Specifically, the system information update request transmitter unit 13 is configured
to transmit the "System Information Update Request" instructing the mobile stations
UE to refer to a common control channel (hereinafter, referred to as a "CTCH") which
is a traffic channel (logical channel) for the CBS (broadcast communication), to the
mobile stations UE, through a broadcast control channel (hereinafter, referred to
as a "BCCH").
[0037] It should be noted that the system information update request transmitter unit 13
is configured to transmit the "System Information Update Request" included in the
BCCH which is a logical channel, to the radio base station Node B, through a broadcast
channel (hereinafter, referred to as a "BCH") which is a transport channel.
[0038] Moreover, the system information update request transmitter unit 13 may be configured
to transmit the aforementioned simplified information, by use of a BCCH, rather than
the PCCH, as the control channel for starting the CBS (broadcast communication).
[0039] The scheduling information transmitter unit 14 is configured to transmit, to the
mobile stations UE, a "BMC scheduling message" which is scheduling information for
the CTCH.
[0040] Specifically, the scheduling information transmitter unit 14 is configured to transmit
information indicating by which block the emergency information (detailed information)
should be received in the subsequent CTCH, through the CTCH which is a traffic channel
(logical channel) for the CBS.
[0041] It should be noted that the scheduling information transmitter unit 14 is configured
to transmit information included in the CTCH which is a traffic channel (logical channel)
for the CBS, to the radio base station Node B, via a forward access channel (hereinafter,
referred to as an "FACH") which is a transport channel.
[0042] The detailed information transmitter unit 15 is configured to transmit the detailed
information created by the emergency information receiver unit 11, to the mobile stations
UE, by use of the CTCH which is a traffic channel for the CBS.
[0043] It should be noted that the detailed information transmitter unit 15 is configured
to transmit information included in the CTCH which is a traffic channel (logical channel)
for the CBS, to the radio base station Node B, through the FACH which is a transport
channel.
[0044] The completion responding unit 16 is configured to notify, by use of a "Report-Success",
the distribution server that the transmission of the detailed information to the mobile
stations UE is completed, upon completion of the transmission of the detailed information.
[0045] As shown in Fig. 3, the radio base station Node B includes: a PCH receiver unit 31;
a BCH receiver unit 32; an FACH receiver unit 33; a PICH transmitter unit 34; an SCCPCH
transmitter unit 35; and a PCCPCH transmitter unit 36.
[0046] The PCH receiver unit 31 is configured to receive information transmitted from the
radio network controller RNC via the PCH which is a transport channel.
[0047] Specifically, the PCH receiver unit 31 is configured to detect the information over
the PCH, and to notify the PICH transmitter unit 34 and the SCCPCH transmitter unit
35 of the detected information.
[0048] The BCH receiver 32 is configured to receive information transmitted from the radio
network controller RNC via the BCH which is a transport channel.
[0049] Specifically, the BCH receiver unit 32 is configured to detect the information over
the BCH, and to notify the PCCPCH transmitter unit 36 of the detected information.
[0050] The FACH receiver unit 33 is configured to receive information transmitted from the
radio base network controller RNC via the FACH which is a transport channel.
[0051] Specifically, the FACH receiver unit 33 is configured to detect the information over
the FACH, and to notify the SCCPCH transmitter unit 35 of the detected information.
[0052] The PICH transmitter unit 34 is configured to transmit predetermined information,
via a paging indication channel (PICH), which is a control channel for starting the
CBS (broadcast communication), and which is a physical channel used for notifying
a specific mobile station that there is incoming information.
[0053] Here, the PICH transmitter unit 34 may be configured to transmit the simplified information
included in the PCH notified by the PCH receiver unit 31, to mobile stations UE, by
use of the PICH.
[0054] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, the PICH transmitter unit 34 may be configured
to transmit the simplified information, by use of unused 12 bits in a frame constituting
the PICH.
[0055] For example, the PICH transmitter unit 34 may be configured to transmit the simplified
information for notifying the occurrence of an earthquake, by setting the last 4 bits
of the 12 bits to "0101".
[0056] Alternatively, the PICH transmitter unit 34 may be configured to transmit the simplified
information for notifying the occurrence of a flood, by setting the last 4 bits of
the 12 bits to "1010".
[0057] The SCCPCH transmitter unit 35 is configured to transmit predetermined information,
via a secondary common control physical channel (SCCPCH) which is a downlink shared
channel and a physical channel. A plurality of SCCPCH can exist in each cell.
[0058] Specifically, the SCCPCH transmitter unit 35 is configured to transmit information
included in the PCCH notified by the PCH receiver unit 31 through the PCH and information
included in the CTCH notified by the FACH receiver unit 33 through the FACH, via an
SCCPCH which is a physical channel associated with the PCCH and the CTCH.
[0059] Specifically, the SCCPCH transmitter unit 35 may be configured to transmit the aforementioned
simplified information to mobile stations UE, by use of the PCCH associated with the
SCCPCH.
[0060] Moreover, the SCCPCH transmitter unit 35 may be configured to transmit the aforementioned
detailed information to mobile stations UE, by use of the CTCH (traffic channel for
the CBS) associated with the SCCPCH.
[0061] The PCCPCH transmitter unit 36 is configured to transmit predetermined information,
via a primary common control physical channel (PCCPCH) which is a downlink shared
channel and a physical channel. Only one PCCPCH can exist in each cell.
[0062] Specifically, the PCCPCH transmitter unit 36 is configured to transmit information
included in the BCCH notified by the BCH receiver unit 32 through the BCH, via a PCCPCH
which is a physical channel associated with the BCCH.
[0063] It should be noted, that Fig. 4 is a diagram showing correspondence relationships
of channels (logical channels, transport channels and physical channels) used between
a radio network controller RNC and a radio base station Node B.
[0064] As shown in Fig. 6, a mobile station UE includes a PICH receiver unit 51, a PCCH
receiver unit 52, a BCCH receiver unit 53, a CTCH receiver unit 54, a simplified information
display unit 55, a paging notification information receiver unit 56, a mode switch
unit 57 and a detailed information display unit 58.
[0065] The PICH receiver unit 51 is configured to receive information transmitted from the
radio base station Node B via the PICH, then to extract simplified information included
in the received information, and to transmit the simplified information to the simplified
information display unit 55.
[0066] Furthermore, the PICH receiver unit 51 is configured to receive information transmitted
from the radio base station Node B via the PICH, and then to notify the PCCH receiver
unit 52 of the information on the PCCH associated with the PICH.
[0067] The PCCH receiver unit 52 is configured to receive information transmitted from a
radio base station Node B via the SCCPCH, and to receive information included in the
PCCH associated with the SCCPCH.
[0068] The simplified information display unit 55 is configured to display the simplified
information received by the PICH receiver unit 51.
[0069] Moreover, the simplified information display unit 55 may be configured to display
the simplified information included in the PCCH received by the PCCH receiver unit
52.
[0070] In addition, the simplified information display unit 55 may be configured to display
the simplified information included in the BCCH received by the BCCH receiver unit
53.
[0071] Specifically, the simplified information display unit 55 may be configured to display
the simplified information A on the display screen as shown in Fig. 6, or may be configured
to notify, by use of an alarm or a vibration function, the user that simplified information
has been received.
[0072] For example, the simplified information display unit 55 may be configured to display
information on reception of the simplified information notifying "occurrence of earthquake",
in a case where "0101" is set in the last 4 bits of predetermined 12 bits in the PICH.
[0073] Alternatively, the simplified information display unit 55 may be configured to display
information on reception of the simplified information notifying "occurrence of flood",
in a case where "1010" is set in the last 4 bits of the predetermined 12 bits in the
PICH.
[0074] The paging notification information receiver unit 56 is configured to receive paging
notification information included in the PICH received by the PCCH receiver unit 52.
[0075] The mode switch unit 57 is configured to switch from an intermittent receiving mode
for saving power consumption to a normal receiving mode, according to the paging notification
information received by the paging notification information receiver unit 56.
[0076] Specifically, on the basis of the paging notification information received by the
paging notification information receiver unit 56, the mode switch unit 57 instructs
the BCCH receiver unit 53 to receive information included in the BCCH.
[0077] The BCCH receiver unit 53 is configured to receive, in accordance with the instruction
from the mode switch unit 57, information included in the BCCH associated with the
PCCPCH transmitted from a radio base station Node B.
[0078] The CTCH receiver unit 54 is configured to receive, in accordance with the information
included in the BCCH received by the BCCH receiver unit 53, information included in
the CTCH associated with the SCCPCH transmitted from the radio base station Node B.
[0079] Specifically, the CTCH receiver unit 54 is configured to first extract scheduling
information from the received information included in the CTCH, and thereafter, to
receive the aforementioned detailed information as the CBS message on the basis of
the scheduling information.
[0080] As shown in Fig. 6, the detailed information display unit 58 is configured to display,
on the display screen, the detailed information B received by the CTCH receiver unit
54.
(Operation of Mobile Communication System According to First Embodiment of the Invention)
[0081] Hereinafter, an operation of a mobile communication system according to the present
embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7.
[0082] As shown in Fig. 7, in step S1001, a distribution server CBC receives a distribution
request for the emergency information such as earthquake information or "tsunami"
information from a public office, a local government, or the like. Here, assume that
such distribution request includes the emergency information and a distribution area
(paging area) of the emergency information.
[0083] In step S1002, the distribution server CBC transmits the emergency information to
a radio network controller RNC corresponding to the distribution area, by use of a
"Write-Replace".
[0084] In step S1003, the radio network controller RNC transmits paging notification information
(Paging Type 1), to a radio base station Node B, via a PCH associated with a PCCH.
[0085] Here, the radio network controller RNC may insert the simplified information created
on the basis of the emergency information into the PCCH and then transmit the simplified
information with the PCCH, or may transmit the simplified information separately from
the PCCH.
[0086] In step S1004, the radio base station Node B notifies the paging notification information
(Paging Type 1) by a PICH to mobile stations UE located in the specific distribution
area.
[0087] In step S1005, the radio base station Node B transmits information included in the
PCCH, via an SCCPCH associated with the PCCH to the mobile stations UE located in
the specific distribution area.
[0088] Here, the simplified information may be transmitted by the PICH, or by the PCCH associated
with the SCCPCH. In addition, the simplified information may be transmitted by a BCCH
to be described later.
[0089] In step S1006, the mobile stations UE display the simplified information received
through the PICH or PCCH.
[0090] In step S1007, the radio network controller RNC transmits, to the radio base station
Node B, through a BCH associated with a BCCH, a system information update request
for instructing the radio base station Node B to receive information included in a
CTCH.
[0091] In step S1008, the radio base station Node B transmits information included in the
BCCH via a PCCPCH associated with the BCCH, after it is determined that the reception
of the information included in the PCCH is completed by all the mobile stations UE;
in other words, when a T1 second passes after the transmission of the information
included in the PCCH.
[0092] In step S1009, the radio network controller RNC transmits, to the radio base station
Node B, through an FACH, the scheduling information, which is included in a CTCH,
for receiving the detailed information.
[0093] In step S1010, the radio base station Node B transmits the information included in
the CTCH, via an SCCPCH associated with the CTCH, after it is determined that the
reception of the information included in the BCCH is completed by all the mobile stations
UE; in other words, when a T2 second passes after the transmission of the information
included in the BCCH.
[0094] In step S1011, on the basis of the scheduling information, the radio network controller
RNC transmits, to the radio base station Node B, the detailed information included
in the CTCH, through an FACH.
[0095] In step S1012, the radio base station Node B transmits the detailed information included
in the CTCH, via an SCCPCH associated with the CTCH.
[0096] In step S1013, the radio network controller RNC transmits, to the distribution server
CBC, a "Report-Success" to notify that the transmission of the aforementioned detailed
information has been completed.
[0097] In step S1014, each one of the mobile stations extracts the detailed information
included in the CTCH, and displays the detailed information according to the aforementioned
scheduling information.
(Effect and Advantage of Mobile Communication System According to First Embodiment
of the Invention)
[0098] In the mobile communication system according to the present embodiment, the emergency
information is separated into the simplified information having a smaller amount of
information and the detailed information having a greater amount of information.
[0099] In the mobile communication system, a mobile station UE is configured to receive
the simplified information through a control channel (one of a PICH and PCCH) for
starting a CBS (broadcast communication) instead of through a traffic channel (CTCH)
for a CBS.
[0100] Thus, it is possible to resolve the problem of time delay for the emergency information
to reach the mobile station.
(Configuration of Mobile Communication System According to Second Embodiment of the
Invention)
[0101] A mobile communication system according to a second embodiment of the present invention
is described with reference to Figs. 8 to 10.
[0102] Hereinafter, the mobile communication system of the present embodiment will be described
focusing on differences from the aforementioned mobile communication system according
to the first embodiment.
[0103] In the mobile communication system according to the present embodiment, a radio device
(a radio network controller RNC, a radio base station Node B, or the like) is configured
to transmit, to mobile stations, by use of a multimedia broadcast/multicast service
(MBMS), the emergency information (earthquake information, "tsunami" information,
or the like issued by a public office, a local government, or the like) transmitted
from a distribution server.
[0104] As shown in Fig. 8, the radio network controller RNC includes: an emergency information
receiver unit 11; an MBMS notification information transmitter unit 12A; an access
information transmitter unit 13A; a detailed information transmitter unit 15A; and
a completion responding unit 16.
[0105] The MBMS notification information transmitter unit 12A is configured to transmit
MBMS information, through the radio base station Node B, to mobile stations UE located
in a predetermined MBMS service area.
[0106] Specifically, the MBMS notification information transmitter unit 12A is configured
to transmit the MBMS notification information, by use of an MBMS control channel (MCCH),
which is a control channel for starting the MBMS, and which is a logical channel for
notifying a specific mobile station that there is incoming information.
[0107] It should be noted that the MBMS notification information transmitter unit 12A is
configured to transmit, to a radio base station Node B, through an FACH which is a
transport channel, the MBMS notification information included in an MCCH which is
a logical channel.
[0108] Moreover, the MBMS notification information transmitter unit 12A is configured to
transmit the simplified information created by the emergency information receiver
unit 11, to the radio base station Node B.
[0109] Here, the MBMS notification information transmitter unit 12A may be configured to
transmit the simplified information along with the MBMS notification information,
by use of an FACH.
[0110] In such case, the MBMS notification information transmitter unit 12A is configured
to input the simplified information to the "payload capacity (240 bits) (refer to
3GPP TS34.108))" of an MCCH.
[0111] The access information transmitter unit 13A is configured to transmit, to mobile
stations UE, through an MBMS control channel (MCCH) which is a logical channel, access
information instructing the mobile stations UE to refer to an MBMS traffic channel
(MTCH) which is a traffic channel (logical channel) for an MBMS (broadcast communication).
[0112] Here, the access information may include a "multicast group ID" for indicating the
multicast group of the MTCH including information the mobile stations UE should receive.
[0113] It should be noted that the access information transmitter unit 13A is configured
to transmit, to a radio base station Node B, through an FACH which is a transport
channel, access information included in the MCCH which is a logical channel.
[0114] The detailed information transmitter unit 15A is configured to transmit, to mobile
stations UE, by use of an MTCH which is a traffic channel for the MBMS, the detailed
information created by the emergency information receiver unit 11.
[0115] Here, the detailed information is to be transmitted by use of the MTCH belonging
to the multicast group specified by the access information.
[0116] It should be noted that the detailed information transmitter unit 15A is configured
to transmit, to the radio base station Node B, through an FACH which is a transport
channel, the detailed information included in an MTCH which is a traffic channel (logical
channel) for the MBMS.
[0117] As shown in Fig. 9, a radio base station Node B includes an FACH receiver unit 33A,
an MICH transmitter unit 34A and an SCCPCH transmitter unit 35A.
[0118] The FACH receiver unit 33A is configured to extract information included in an MCCH
which is a logical channel transmitted through an FACH which is a transport channel,
and then to notify the MICH transmitter unit 34A and the SCCPCH transmitter unit 35A
of the information included in the MCCH.
[0119] The FACH receiver unit 33A is configured to extract information included in the MTCH
which is a logical channel transmitted through the FACH which is a transport channel,
and then to notify the SCCPCH transmitter unit 35A of the information included in
the MTCH.
[0120] The MICH transmitter unit 34A is configured to transmit predetermined information,
via an MBMS indication channel (MICH), which is a control channel for starting the
MBMS (broadcast communication), and which is a physical channel for notifying a specific
mobile station that there is incoming information.
[0121] Here, the MICH transmitter unit 34A may be configured to transmit, to mobile stations
UE, by use of an MICH, the simplified information included in the FACH notified by
the FACH receiver unit 33A.
[0122] Specifically, in a similar manner to the PICH transmitter unit 34 shown in Fig. 5,
the MICH transmitter unit 34A may be configured to transmit the simplified information,
by use of unused 12 bits in a frame constituting the MICH.
[0123] The SCCPCH transmitter unit 35A is configured to transmit an SCCPCH which is a physical
channel including an MCCH transmitted through the FACH notified by the FACH receiver
unit 33A, and to transmit an SCCPCH which is a physical channel including an MTCH
transmitted through the FACH notified by the FACH receiver unit 33A.
[0124] In other words, the SCCPCH transmitter unit 35A may be configured to transmit, to
mobile stations UE, the aforementioned simplified information by use of the MCCH associated
with the SCCPCH.
[0125] Moreover, the SCCPCH transmitter unit 35A may be configured to transmit, to mobile
stations UE, the aforementioned simplified information by use of the MTCH (traffic
channel for MBMS) associated with the SCCPCH.
[0126] As shown in Fig. 10, a mobile station UE includes an MICH receiver unit 51A, an MCCH
receiver unit 52A, an MTCH receiver unit 54A, a simplified information display unit
55A and a detailed information display unit 58A.
[0127] The MICH receiver unit 51A is configured to receive information included in an MICH
transmitted from a radio base station Node B, then to extract simplified information
included in the received information, and to transmit the simplified information to
the simplified information display unit 55A.
[0128] Moreover, the MICH receiver unit 51A is configured to receive information included
in an MICH transmitted from a radio base station Node B, and then to notify the MCCH
receiver unit 52A of information on the MCCH corresponding to the MICH.
[0129] The MCCH receiver unit 52A is configured to receive information included in an SCCPCH
transmitted from a radio base station Node B, and then to receive information included
in an MCCH associated with the SCCPCH.
[0130] The simplified information display unit 55A is configured to display, as shown in
Fig. 10, the simplified information A received from the MICH receiver unit 51A.
[0131] Moreover, the simplified information display 55A is configured to display, as shown
in Fig. 10, the simplified information A included in the MCCH received by the MCCH
receiver 52A.
[0132] The MTCH receiver unit 54A is configured to receive information included in an SCCPCH
transmitted from a radio base station Node B, in response to information included
in the MCCH received by the MCCH receiver unit 52A, and then to receive information
included in an MTCH included in the SCCPCH.
[0133] The detailed information display unit 58A is configured to display on the display
screen, as shown in Fig. 10, the detailed information B received by the MTCH receiver
unit 54.
(Operation of Mobile Communication System According to Second Embodiment of the Invention)
[0134] Hereinafter, an operation of the mobile communication system according to the present
embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11.
[0135] As shown in Fig. 11, in step S2001, a distribution server BM-SC receives a distribution
request for the emergency information such as earthquake information or "tsunami"
information from a public office, a local government, or the like.
[0136] Here, assume that such distribution request includes the emergency information and
information on a distribution area (MBMS service area) of the emergency information.
[0137] In step S2002, the distribution server BM-SC establishes an MBMS session between
itself and a radio network controller RNC corresponding to the distribution area.
[0138] In step S2003, the radio network controller RNC transmits MBMS notification information
included in an MCCH, to a radio base station Node B, via an FACH.
[0139] Here, the radio network controller RNC may insert the simplified information created
on the basis of the emergency information into the MCCH and then transmit the simplified
information with the MCCH, or may transmit the simplified information separately from
the MCCH.
[0140] Moreover, in step S2003, through an FACH, the radio network controller RNC transmits,
to the radio base station Node B, access information, which is included in an MCCH,
for instructing the radio base station Node B to receive information included in an
MTCH.
[0141] In step S2004, the radio base station Node B transmits information included in an
MICH to mobile stations UE located in a specific distribution area, and in step S2005,
transmits information included in the MCCH, via an SCCPCH associated with the MCCH,
to the mobile stations UE located in a specific distribution area.
[0142] Here, the simplified information may be transmitted by the MICH, or may be transmitted
by the MCCH associated with the SCCPCH.
[0143] In step S2006, the mobile stations UE display the simplified information received
through one of the MICH and MCCH.
[0144] In step S2007, on the basis of the aforementioned access information, the radio network
controller RNC transmits, to the radio base station Node B, through an FACH, detailed
information included in an MTCH.
[0145] Specifically, the radio network controller RNC transmits the detailed information
by an MTCH belonging to a multicast group specified in the aforementioned access information.
[0146] In step S2008, the radio base station Node B transmits the received detailed information
included in the MTCH, via the SCCPCH.
[0147] In step S2009, the radio network controller RNC transmits, to the distribution server
BM-SC, a "Report-Success" for notifying that the transmission of the aforementioned
detailed information has been completed.
[0148] In step S2010, each of the mobile stations UE extracts and then displays the detailed
information included in the MTCH, according to the aforementioned access information.
(Effect and Advantage of Mobile Communication System According to Second Embodiment
of the Invention)
[0149] In the mobile communication system according to the embodiment, the emergency information
is separated into the simplified information having a smaller amount of information
and the detailed information having a greater amount of information, and a mobile
station UE is configured to receive the simplified information through a control channel
(one of an MICH and MCCH) for starting the MBMS (broadcast communication) instead
of through a traffic channel (MTCH) for the MBMS. Thus, it is possible to resolve
the problem of time delay for the emergency information to reach the mobile station.
[0150] The present invention has been described by using the above-described embodiments.
However, it is obvious for those who are in the art that the present invention is
not intended to be limited to the above-described embodiment. It is understood that
the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purpose only and
that various modifications or changes will be suggested to one skilled in the art
without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, this disclosure
should not be construed that the description and the drawings, which constitute one
part of this disclosure, are to limit the present invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0151] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide
a mobile communication system, a mobile communication method, a radio network controller,
a radio base station and a mobile station which are capable of reducing delay time
during the transmission of the emergency information to mobiles stations by use of
broadcast communication.
1. Mobilkommunikationssystem, in welchem eine Funkvorrichtung, die konfiguriert ist,
Notifikationsinformation, die aus einem Verteilungsserver gesendet wird, an eine Mobilstation
unter Verwendung von Rundfunkkommunikation zu senden, wobei:
die Funkvörrichtung (RNC, NodeB) umfasst:
eine Erzeugungseinheit (11, 31), die konfiguriert ist, auf Basis der aus dem Verteilungsserver
empfangenen Notifikationsinformation eine vereinfachte Information, die den Inhalt
der Notifikationsinformation anzeigt, und detaillierte Information, die den Inhalt
der Notifikationsinformation mit einer größeren Informationsmenge als der der vereinfachten
Information anzeigt, zu erzeugen;
eine vereinfachte Informationssendereinheit (12, 34), die konfiguriert ist, die vereinfachte
Information unter Verwendung eines Steuerkanals zum Starten der Rundfunkkommunikation
an die Mobilstation zu senden; und
eine Detailinformations-Sendereinheit (15, 35), die konfiguriert ist, die detaillierte
Information unter Verwendung eines Verkehrskanals für Rundfunkkommunikation an die
Mobilstation zu senden, und
die Mobilstation (UE) umfasst
eine Anzeigeeinheit (58), die konfiguriert ist, die unter Verwendung des Verkehrskanals
gesendete detaillierte Information anzuzeigen, nach Anzeigen der unter Verwendung
des Steuerkanals gesendeten vereinfachten Information.
2. Mobilkommunikationsverfahren zum Senden von aus einem Verteilungsserver gesendeter
Notifikationsinformation aus einer Funkvorrichtung an eine Mobilstation unter Verwendung
von Rundfunkkommunikation, wobei das Verfahren umfasst:
Senden, am Verteilungsserver (CBC), der Notifikationsinformation an die Funkvorrichtung;
Erzeugen, an der Funkvorrichtung (RNC, NodeB), vereinfachter Information, die den
Inhalt der Notifikationsinformation anzeigt, auf Basis der aus dem Verteilungsserver
empfangenen Notifikationsinformation;
Senden, an der Funkvorrichtung (RNC, NodeB) der vereinfachten Information an die Mobilstation
(UE) unter Verwendung eines Steuerkanals zum Starten der Rundfunkkommunikation;
Anzeigen, an der Mobilstation (UE), der unter Verwendung des Steuerkanals gesendeten
vereinfachten Information;
Erzeugen, an der Funkvorrichtung (RNC, NodeB), von Detaillinformation, die eine größere
Informationsmenge aufweist als diejenige der vereinfachten Information und Inhalt
der Notifikationsinformation anzeigen, auf Basis der Notifikationsinformation;
Senden, an der Funkvorrichtung, NodeB, der Detailinformation an die Mobilstation unter
Verwendung eines Verkehrskanals für Rundfunkkommunikation; und
Anzeigen, an der Mobilstation (UE), der unter Verwendung des Verkehrskanals gesendeten
Detailinformation.
3. Funknetzwerksteuerung (RNC), die konfiguriert ist, aus einem Verteilungsserver gesendete
Notifikationsinformation an eine Mobilstation unter Verwendung von Rundfunkkommunikation
zu senden, wobei die Steuervorrichtung umfasst:
eine Erzeugungseinheit (11), die konfiguriert ist, auf Basis der aus dem Verteilungsserver
empfangenen Notifikationsinformation eine vereinfachte Information, die den Inhalt
der Notifikationsinformation anzeigt, und eine Detailinformation, die eine größere
Informationsmenge als diejenige der Detailinformation aufweist und den Inhalt der
Notifikationsinformation anzeigt, zu erzeugen;
eine vereinfachte Informationssendereinheit (12), die konfiguriert ist, die vereinfachte
Information an die Mobilstation unter Verwendung eines Steuerkanals zum Starten der
Rundfunkkommunikation zu senden; und
einen Detailinformationssender (15), der konfiguriert ist, die Detailinformation unter
Verwendung eines Verkehrskanals für Rundfunkkommunikation an die Mobilstation (UE)
zu senden.
4. Funknetzwerksteuervorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 3, wobei die vereinfachte Informationssendereinheit
(12) konfiguriert ist, die vereinfachte Information unter Verwendung eines Kanals
zum Notifizieren einer spezifischen Mobilstation, dass es eingehende Information gibt,
zu senden.
5. Funkbasisstation (NodeB), die konfiguriert ist, aus einem Verteilungsserver gesendete
Notifikationsinformation an eine Mobilstation unter Verwendung von Rundfunkkommunikation
zu senden, wobei die Funkbasisstation umfasst:
eine vereinfachte Informationssendereinheit (34), die konfiguriert ist, an die Mobilstation
(UE) unter Verwendung eines Steuerkanals zum Starten der Rundfunkkommunikation, eine
vereinfachte Information zu senden, die den Inhalt der auf Basis der Notifikationsinformation,
die aus dem Verteilungsserver empfangen ist, erzeugten Notifikationsinformation anzeigt;
und
eine Detailinformationssendereinheit (35), die konfiguriert ist, an die Mobilstation
(UE) unter Verwendung eines Verkehrskanals für Rundfunkkommunikation Detailinformation
zu senden, welche den Inhalt der Notifikationsinformation anzeigt, die auf Basis der
Notifikationsinformation erzeugt ist und eine größere Informationsmenge als die der
vereinfachten Information aufweist.
6. Funkbasisstation (NodeB) gemäß Anspruch 5, wobei
die vereinfachte Interferenzssendereinheit (34) konfiguriert ist, die vereinfachte
Information unter Verwendung eines Kanals zum Notifizieren einer spezifischen Mobilstation,
dass es eingehende Informationen gibt, zu senden.
7. Mobilstation (UE), die konfiguriert ist, unter Verwendung von Rundfunkkommunikation
gesendete Notifikationsinformation zu empfangen, umfassend:
eine vereinfachte Informationsempfängereinheit (51), die konfiguriert ist, über einen
Steuerkanal zum Starten der Rundfunkkommunikation vereinfachte Information zu empfangen,
die den Inhalt der Notifikationsinformation anzeigt, erzeugt auf Basis der aus einem
Verteilungsserver gesendeten Notifikationsinformation;
eine Detailinformations-Empfängereinheit (54), die konfiguriert ist, über einen Verkehrskanal
zur Rundfunkkommunikation Detailinformation zu empfangen, die den Inhalt der Notifikationsinformation
anzeigt, erzeugt auf Basis der Notifikationsinformation und eine größere Informationsmenge
als diejenige der vereinfachten Information aufweisend; und
eine Anzeigeeinheit (58), die konfiguriert ist, die empfangene Detailinformation anzuzeigen,
nach Anzeigen der empfangenen vereinfachten Information.